Sun Protection

Fishing is a sport that demands long hours in the sun, often with little to no shade. While the thrill of landing a trophy fish is worth every minute, exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, and long-term health risks like skin cancer. That’s why proper sun protection is just as essential as your rod and tackle.

Today’s anglers have access to high-performance gear designed to keep them cool, comfortable, and protected from the elements. From UPF-rated clothing and face coverings to sunscreen and wide-brim hats, there are plenty of ways to safeguard your skin without sacrificing performance on the water. Some top-tier options include the HUK Icon X Hoodie, which offers +50 UPF sun-blocking fabric, and the KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter, a lightweight, breathable face covering that shields your neck and ears from direct sunlight. Add in a UV-protective wide-brim fishing hat and fingerless gloves, and you’ve got a full sun defense system designed to keep you fishing all day without discomfort.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best sun protection gear for fishing, explaining how each piece enhances your time on the water. Whether you’re chasing bass at dawn or battling saltwater giants under the midday sun, the right gear can make all the difference.

HUK Icon X Hoodie – Body Protection 

The HUK Icon X Hoodie is an ideal choice for anglers seeking effective sun protection while out on the water. This fishing hoodie is crafted with performance-engineered materials, making it a must-have for anyone serious about their time on the water. With its advanced +50 UPF sun-blocking fabric, it provides superior protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your skin stays safe from harmful sun exposure. This is especially important for long days spent fishing, where the sun’s rays can take a toll on unprotected skin.

Beyond sun protection, the HUK Icon X Hoodie offers a host of other functional features. It is designed to dry quickly, keeping you comfortable whether you’re in or out of the water. The hoodie also excels in moisture transport, with its hydrophobic materials efficiently wicking sweat away from your skin to keep you dry and cool. 

Additionally, its superior breathability ensures that air flows freely through the fabric, allowing for better evaporation and enhancing comfort throughout your fishing session. Whether you’re fishing on a hot, sunny day or engaging in high-energy activity, this hoodie keeps you protected, dry, and comfortable, making it a top choice for anglers looking for a reliable sun protection solution.

KastKing Sol Armis – Neck Protection 

The KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter is an excellent choice for anyone seeking comprehensive UV protection during outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. Designed for both men and women, this gaiter boasts UPF 50 sun protection, effectively shielding your neck, ears, and face from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its breathable poly-spandex material ensures comfort and cooling throughout the day, while the quick-dry fabric helps keep you dry even in humid conditions. Whether you’re on the water or the trails, this gaiter will keep you protected without sacrificing comfort.

One of the standout features of the KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter is its multipurpose design. This versatile accessory can be worn in 13 different ways, adapting to your needs for different outdoor activities. You can use it as a face mask, balaclava, hood, or even a headband, making it highly adaptable for various conditions. Additionally, it comes in stylish Prym1 camo patterns, making it both functional and fashionable for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or engaging in any other outdoor sport, the KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter offers both sun protection and versatility, ensuring you’re ready for any adventure.

SUJAYU Fishing Gloves – Protection for Hands

Protecting your hands from sun damage is just as important as safeguarding your face and neck, and the SUJAYU Fishing Gloves offer a UPF 50-rated barrier against harmful UV rays. These fingerless gloves provide full sun protection from your fingertips to your wrists, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Unlike traditional gloves, they feature extra-long cuffs that extend past the wrist, ensuring seamless coverage when paired with long sleeves.

Beyond sun protection, the SUJAYU Fishing Gloves enhance grip and dexterity, making them ideal for handling fishing rods, paddles, or even cycling handlebars. Their silicone palm design provides a non-slip, wear-resistant grip, preventing gear from slipping in wet conditions. 

The breathable, quick-drying fabric keeps your hands cooler and drier than going bare-handed, while integrated pull tabs allow for quick and easy removal. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, hiking, or cycling, these gloves offer a lightweight yet durable solution for outdoor enthusiasts who need protection without compromising on flexibility.

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 – Skin Protection 

When spending long hours on the water, sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your fishing gear. The Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, shielding your skin from harmful sun exposure that can lead to burns and long-term damage. Infused with Vitamin E, this moisturizing, non-comedogenic formula keeps skin hydrated without feeling greasy or clogging pores.

Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities. It’s also Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant, meaning it’s free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it a safer choice for marine environments. 

With a light, tropical scent often described as “smelling like summer,” the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 not only protects your skin but enhances your time on the water with its refreshing feel. Reapplying every two hours ensures continued protection, letting you focus on the catch instead of the sun.

Wide Brim Fishing Hat – Full Head Protection 

A good fishing hat isn’t just about comfort—it’s about full-spectrum sun protection to keep you cool and shielded while spending hours on the water. This UV Protection Wide Brim Hat is designed with 360° coverage, featuring a wide brim, detachable face cover, and neck flap to protect against harsh sunlight, wind, and even pesky insects. The adjustable drawstring keeps the hat secure, ensuring it stays put even in strong coastal winds.

Made from lightweight, waterproof nylon fabric with ventilation mesh panels, this hat is both breathable and quick-drying, making it an excellent choice for hot and humid fishing conditions. At only 3.6 ounces, it’s easy to pack and won’t feel heavy during long fishing sessions. Whether you’re casting from the shore, battling fish offshore, or exploring remote waters, this hat provides the ultimate protection without sacrificing comfort.

Available in multiple colors and designed to fit most head sizes, this hat is an essential piece of sun gear for any angler who takes UV protection seriously.

Finishing Notes

A successful day of fishing isn’t just about landing the big one—it’s also about staying comfortable and protected while you’re out in the elements. Ignoring sun protection can lead to painful burns, heat exhaustion, and long-term skin damage, cutting your fishing trips short and putting your health at risk. Fortunately, modern fishing gear is designed to combat the sun’s effects without compromising performance.

With the HUK Icon X Hoodie, you get breathable, quick-drying sun protection for your upper body. The KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter adds lightweight, UPF 50 coverage for your face and neck, while a wide-brim fishing hat and UV-protective gloves offer full-body defense. Of course, no sun protection setup is complete without a high-quality sunscreen like Sun Bum Original SPF 30, which provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage to keep your skin safe.

By investing in the right sun protection gear, you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying the water, landing fish, and making unforgettable memories. Don’t let the sun dictate how long you can stay out. Gear up, stay protected, and fish smarter!